Animal Species:Redtooth Triggerfish, Odonus niger (Rüppell, 1837)

Standard Common Name

Redtooth Triggerfish

Alternative Name/s

Black-bodied Triggerfish, Blue Triggerfish, Red Toothed Triggerfish

Identification

The Redtooth Triggerfish is blue to purplish with a light blue head. All median fins have light blue posterior margins. The anterior portions of the second dorsal and anal fins are elevated. The caudal fin is lunate, with long lobes in adults. There are rows of small spines on the posterior sides of the body. The upturned mouth has two long red teeth in the upper jaw. These are visible when the mouth is closed.

Size range

The species grows to 40 cm in length.

Distribution

The Redtooth Triggerfish occurs on coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific. In Australia it is known from the offshore reefs of north-western Western Australia and from the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.